Business Manager – Project Cost Accounting, Grants Management and HR Support

Job Title: Business Manager – Project Cost Accounting, Grants Management and HR Support

Position Type: Full-Time/Contract to Hire (Work-Based Learning Program)

Location: Hybrid – Wilmington, DE

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Job Summary

Code Differently is an innovative workforce development and training provider located in Wilmington, Delaware. We are dedicated to empowering adults and youth through transformative work-based learning experiences that foster growth, creativity, and success. By combining immersive training, hands-on projects, and professional development, we equip individuals with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Our programs ignite innovation, spark curiosity, and prepare future leaders to confidently navigate and contribute to a technology-driven world. Code Differently is not just shaping careers; we’re shaping futures. 

We are seeking a highly skilled Business Manager who is skilled project cost accounting, grants management, and HR operations. This position requires a dynamic and detail-oriented self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced yet highly collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is an exceptional problem solver, strategic thinker, and proactive leader with a passion for organizational growth and impact. This role is pivotal in ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and sustainability, while also driving cross-program collaboration, assisting new projects and services, and fostering a high-performance culture.

If you are a financially savvy, data-driven, and people-centric leader who is ready to make a lasting impact, we invite you to bring your expertise to Code Differently. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.

This role will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

Position Summary:
The Business Manager is a dynamic, high-impact leader who drives financial, operational, and administrative excellence with a strong focus on fund accounting, grants management, innovation, and collaboration. This role is critical in aligning cross-program teams, launching new projects and services, and fostering a culture of continuous learning through internal and external training initiatives. The Business Manager will provide actionable insights and enable organizational growth. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with strong communication skills, an innovative mindset, and a passion for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Cost Accounting

• Monitor and track all project-related costs, including labor, materials, and overhead, ensuring accurate financial reporting and alignment with funding sources.
• Develop, manage, and maintain project budgets, forecasting future expenditures to prevent overruns and ensure alignment with allocated funds.
• Conduct cost variance analysis by comparing actual expenditures against budgets, identifying discrepancies, and recommending corrective actions to optimize financial performance.
• Track project-generated revenue, ensuring timely and accurate invoicing, collections, and reporting on profitability.
• Work closely with project managers and cross-functional teams to ensure accurate financial data, timely reporting, and effective cost controls.
• Continuously evaluate and improve financial workflows, project accounting systems, and reporting tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Use financial tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and QuickBooks to create real-time dashboards that provide insights into project performance, expenses, and overall financial health.
• Ensure compliance with grant and contract regulations, maintaining detailed and auditable financial records for each project.
• Develop and maintain financial workflows and systems, including QuickBooks and approval software such as ApprovalMax.

Grants Management & Compliance

• Collaborate with Directors to the research, drafting, and submission of RFPs and grant proposals, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather data, create compelling proposals, and meet submission deadlines.
• Monitor grant compliance and track deliverables to ensure timely reporting to funders.
• Prepare for and respond to federal, state, and local audits, ensuring strict adherence to compliance regulations.
• Build relationships with funders and partners to expand funding opportunities and strengthen long-term collaboration.
• Leverage Tableau or Power BI, to analyze complex datasets, identify trends, and provide actionable insights.
• Create and maintain dashboards to visualize key financial and operational metrics for leadership and stakeholders.
• Prepare data-driven reports and presentations for internal and external audiences, highlighting organizational impact and financial performance.

Human Resources & Talent Management

• Oversee the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, and performance management.
• Manage external hiring processes, including contract negotiations and vendor partnerships.
• Develop and implement employee training programs to foster professional growth and ensure compliance with certifications and regulations.
• Plan and execute employee engagement initiatives, such as team-building activities, recognition programs, and retention strategies.
• Maintain HR systems, employee records, and updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in project cost accounting, grants management, or nonprofit financial operations.
• Advanced proficiency with QuickBooks and data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or other data visualization tools.
• Strong experience in compliance and audit preparation for federal, state, and local regulations.
• Advanced data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret and visualize complex datasets.
• Experience in designing and delivering training programs for internal and external audiences.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex data effectively.

Why Join Us?

• Be a part of a mission-driven organization focused on innovation, collaboration, and impactful financial and grants management.
• Work on dynamic cross-program teams to design and launch new projects and services.
• Collaborate with passionate professionals and share your expertise through training initiatives.